Mt. Septimus at 1850 m, is not one of the highest peaks on the island but it is a fun mountain to summit. The route to base camp at cream lake is a straight forward route with beautiful views of Big Interior, Big Jim Lake and even a glimpse of Della Falls in the distance. The trail to Cream Lake is in good condition and well worn. Although there are no markers or flags to mark the route the trail is worn enough that you can’t get lost. Total distance from the parking area 10 kms and 6 kms from Bedwell Lake (both one way). Total time from the parking area about 7 hours and from Bedwell Lake 3.5 hours. From Cream lake, follow glacier up a ways and then take the prominent left gulley up some steep snow. Once you reach the top make your way across the glacier and then up some more steep snow to the summit. Everything is straight forward.

From Cream Lake head up the Septimus glacier and in about 30 minutes you will be at a snow gulley on the left. Make your way up the steep snow to the col. This will take you about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on conditions. Once on the other side of the col make your way across the glacier. Once on the other side of the glacier head up the steep snow to the summit. From the Col to the summit should take about 1 hour. Due to the heavy snow, we were unable to find the summit registry so I don't know if one exists or not. Enjoy the views! Camping at Cream Lake is backcountry camping so please camp responsibly and leave no trace. There are not many trees in which to hang your food up in, we used a long stick and put our food bags on the big huge rock (you will know the one).

Directions:

From Courtenay take either the old highway or the new highway to Campbell River. Once there take Hwy 28. You will then come to a bridge, don't go over the Buttle Narrows bridge, just keep heading straight on Buttle Lake road (or Western Mines Road). At the bottom of Buttle Lake you will cross a bridge, then make a left on the mining road. Follow this road until you get a chance to make a right. Make the right and the road will deteriorate and head up. Follow this road all the way to the BC Parks parking area. The conditions of the road vary from year to year. If you drive slow enough or don’t really care about your car you will make to the trail head. 4x4s will not have any problems.

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